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Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

BSA

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Accounting Degree Program Overview

Whether your interests lie in the corporate world, small business operations, not-for-profit organizations or education, an accounting degree from PNW’s College of Business will provide you with the skill set to become an effective decision-maker.

Our Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program can open the door to a variety of careers and opportunities for graduate study.

Department of Quantitative Business Studies

  • Our accounting program builds a solid foundation for entry-level opportunities and long-term success in your accounting career.
  • Courses are led by scholars and business practitioners with professional certifications and years of experience.
  • We focus on experiential learning to help you develop the skills you’ll need at work.

Accounting Major Curriculum

Our bachelor’s in accounting curriculum combines courses that are innovative, relevant and challenging with career-focused experiences that prepare you for a dynamic career.

You’ll take a balance of general education courses, College of Business core courses and accounting courses—plus an experiential learning course, where you’ll apply your professional knowledge and technical skill in a real-world setting.

Build a foundation with first-year seminar and introduction to business courses.

Accounting Degree Program Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • BUSM 10000 – Freshman Seminar In Business
  • BUSM 10100 – Introduction To Business

Grow your skills with the second year seminar as well as introductory accounting and management accounting.

Accounting Degree Program Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • BUSM 20000 – Second Year Seminar in Business
  • ACC 20000 – Introductory Accounting
  • ACC 20100 – Management Accounting I

Increase your focus on with a third-year seminar course, as well as two intermediate accounting courses and classes on managerial/cost accounting and information systems.

Accounting Degree Program Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • BUSM 30000 – Third Year Seminar In Business
  • ACC 35000 – Intermediate Accounting I
  • ACC 40700 – Managerial/Cost Accounting

In your final year, you’ll study financial statements analysis, tax accounting and auditing. You’ll also complete the fourth-year seminar In business course.

Accounting Degree Program Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • BUSM 40000 – Fourth Year Seminar In Business
  • ACC 40600 – Auditing
  • ACC 40900 – Accounting Information Systems

Accounting Degree Program Highlights

Careers in accounting and related areas have a bright future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), roles such as accountant and auditor are predicted to grow 7% over 10 years by 2030.

As a graduate of PNW’s bachelor’s in accounting program, you’ll be familiar with tax preparation documents, digital accounting information systems, auditing practices and managerial and cost accounting, as well as gain essential communication and professional skills.

A lion statute with a brick wall and windows in the background Two students pose in commencement regalia in front of the Nils Building

Accounting Degree Program Outcomes

As an accounting student, you’re encouraged to pursue professional certifications. The education requirements for the below certifications may be met through coursework at PNW:

  • CPA – Certified Public Accountant
  • CIA – Certified Internal Auditor
  • CMA – Certified Management Accountant

Students should keep in mind that in many states, credit hour requirements for these certifications might exceed the 120-credit BSA program requirements.

Explore Accounting Program Scholarships

In addition to other financial aid, you can manage the cost of an accounting degree with program-specific scholarships, such as:

  • Ed Furticella Scholarship in Accounting
  • Finance and Accounting Club Scholarship
  • Accounting Scholarship (third- and fourth-year students)

See All Business Scholarships

Accounting Degree Program Employers

Our accounting degree program’s value is best demonstrated through the employers our graduates have worked for, such as:

  • Ernst & Young
  • PepsiCo
  • Community Hospital

See Career and Employment Trends

Accounting Degree Program Career Paths

Earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting opens a wealth of opportunities in entry-level roles such as:

  • General accountant or staff accountant
  • Financial or budget analyst
  • Bookkeeper
  • Audit clerk or assistant

Accounting Beyond the Classroom

As an accounting major, you’ll have many opportunities to connect with faculty and peers through extracurriculars and campus organizations.

See All Student Organizations

Accreditation

Our business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). This accreditation positions PNW with top business schools across the world.

April Roberts

All the professors I’ve made connections with have truly been there for me throughout my college career. They’re always willing to help and encourage me to succeed.

A PNW student outdoors

PNW has helped me grow in my field in so many ways. The COB professors have so many awesome connections and are always willing to help you out!

Mary Buksa, ‘24, Accounting

Arti Patel

I’ve been able to build those connections with professors and talk with them one-on-one about class and my career. I loved having the opportunity to go to office hours for help with assignments and having them recognize me.

Meet the Faculty

Maureen Francis Mascha

Maureen Francis Mascha, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Accounting

As a CPA and a former audit manager Maureen Francis Mascha has practical experience that she brings to the classroom in her roles as coordinator of the forensic program in accounting and advisor of Beta Alpha Psi.

Eric Mlynarczyk

Eric Mlynarczyk, C.P.A.

Clinical Associate Professor of Accounting

Eric Mlynarczyk is a finance and accounting professional with over 18 years of industry experience. He has worked in the banking industry in several banking departments, has worked with corporate Treasury functions and is a licensed CPA.

Donna Whitten

Donna L Whitten, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Accounting

Donna Whitten teaches accounting courses from introductory to upper level. Her research includes the CPA exam, active learning strategies, critical thinking skills, sense of belonging, mentoring, investor sentiment, accounting reporting standards, goodwill, CEO compensation and cash flows.

A student sits in a classroom and smiles while looking off to the right. There are several students sitting in the rows behind the student in focus.

Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting at PNW

As an accounting major at Purdue University Northwest, you’ll gain real-world skills and experiences that help you begin your career or pursue graduate study with confidence.

To see how a bachelor’s degree in accounting from PNW opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership, take the next step today!

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